RESIDENTS have been bidding farewell to a much-loved stalwart of the community and an inspiration to generations.

Margaret Campbell-Kelly, 75, of Hollin Lane, in Sutton, died peacefully at East Cheshire Hospice earlier this month.

Married to John, the mother of Paul, Ian and Peter, and grandmother of Sara, Suzie, Nicholas, Louise and Christopher, will be greatly missed by all.

A service of committal and thanksgiving for her life was held at St James Church, in Sutton, where many relatives, friends and colleagues gathered to pay their respects.

Close friend Shelagh Proctor said: "An overflowing church and church hall bore witness to the esteem in which she was held."

It was at the same church hall that she started her teaching career in Sutton, after a year or two at Parkroyal in Macclesfield.

Moving with the school to the present Hollinhey site, she was for more than 30 years a reception class teacher, inspiring generations of Sutton children.

During her teaching career her musical ability made her a lynchpin at the school and at the Schools' Music Festival, which she conducted for many years.

Shelagh added: "Her choral ability was outstanding. Many children, parents and even grandparents in our community have cause to be grateful to her.

"Many of us have wonderful memories of singing with her, both at St James, Sutton and in the King Edward Musical Society. The church can look back upon an amazing 50 years of strong, inspirational and loving musical leadership from Margaret and her husband John.

"Members of KEMS will always remember her taking part, despite failing health, in this year's Golden Jubilee performance of Verdi's Requiem.

"At the end of this memorable occasion at The Royal Northern College of Music, Margaret and John, founder members of the society, received a standing ovation."

The Reverend Taffy Davies said: "Margaret was one of the first people I met when I arrived in the parish of Sutton St James', almost eight years ago.

"Her great skill was in making people feel at home; and she certainly did a huge amount to help my family and me to settle in to the community.

"She was one of the most delightfully single-minded people I have ever met.

"There was Margaret's way of doing things - or the wrong way!

"Her local knowledge was invaluable as there was hardly a person in the community who Margaret had not had dealings with, one way or another.

"Her love of church music was legendary, and I sensed that Margaret always seemed to be working for the 'Kingdom of God', and never for her own glorification. I shall miss her terribly."